Project Officer, Inclusive Eye Health Project - Maternity Cover

Call for Expression of Interest

Consultant to cover maternity leave for the Project Officer, Inclusive Eye Health Project in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Title: Project Officer, Inclusive Eye Health Project - maternity cover

Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Anticipated Consultancy Length: Four Months

Overall objective 

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide maternity cover services for a period of four months (01 April-31 July 2026) for the Project Officer, Inclusive Eye Health Project. The Project Officer leads and coordinates the implementation of Inclusive Eye Health (IEH) programmes in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. The role is designed to ensure effective collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality eye health services in the province. Since the project is implemented in all the 7 districts of Matabeleland North Province, it is practical to have this person based in a satellite office in Bulawayo for easy coordination of stakeholders and project activities. 

The Project Officer is responsible for managing daily operations, monitoring and evaluating project outcomes, supporting capacity building, and contributing to research and innovation. Ultimately, the position aims to enhance the impact and quality of Sightsavers’ programmes through strategic coordination, partnership management, and continuous improvement. 

Principal Accountabilities (specific activities and end results): 

Project coordination

• Support all Sightsavers supported eye health activities by providing effective management and coordination to the project to ensure the delivery of set targets.  
• Coordinate all OPD related activities as part of IEH project through working with different OPD groups to ensure adherence to workplans and budget for the achievement of planned project outputs.  
• Coordinate capacity building initiatives for health workers and OPDs 
• Support partner teams and OPDs groups to identify and develop innovative approaches for the delivery of an inclusive eye health project in the Matabeleland North 
• Coordinate the preparation of activity related reports as well as quarterly and annual reports to Sightsavers / donors as may be required. 

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support the Snr Programme Officer in monitoring project implementation in the province. Conduct quarterly project visits and follow up on outstanding issues.  
• Provide support to OPD groups and steering committee during targeted outreach activities and monitoring visits to project facilities. 
• Support in reviewing the evidence provided by partners for the delivery of activities and ensure proper reporting system and records are kept in place.  
• The position will be responsible for guiding the overall Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Strategy and use of M&E methodology necessary for attaining the project goals. 
• Monitor project expenditure to ensure that it is in line with the budget envelope and value for money is observed. 

Representation and Networking 

• Represent the Programme Manager at various meetings and discussions at relevant government Ministries and other agencies.  

Research

• Coordinate the design and conduct of patient satisfaction studies to assess the quality of services provided at project facilities. 

Budget and payment schedule 

• It is estimated this consultancy will take in full 4 months of consultancy time.  
• A total fee of USD 2,500 per month (USD$10,000) as stipulated above will be invoiced to the Client by the Consultant upon signing this agreement whereby 100% of the total claim will be paid by the 25th of each month, subject to deliverables being met.
• Withholding tax of 30% shall be charged if a valid tax clearance is not presented at the time of payment. 
• Other activity charges including venue, travel to and from the hotels to activity venues, accommodation and meals will be covered by Sightsavers. 

Skills and Experience

Minimal qualifications for a Lead Consultant/ Team Members 

Qualifications and experience: 

• Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or related disciplines (post-graduate degree will be an advantage).  

• Extensive experience in programme/project management, ideally in an INGO setting.  

• Technical knowledge of Eye Health in Zimbabwe  

• Understanding of Disability Inclusive Development  

• Experience in working with OPDs groups will be an added advantage.  

• Experience in monitoring and evaluation and research  

• Understanding of the health system in Zimbabwe  

• Experience in advocacy. 

Core Behaviors: 

• Coordination, networking and influencing both within and outside the organization 
• Communicating – Understands how their role contributes to the organization vision. Communicates confidently and effectively with colleagues and partners 
• Decision-making – Gathers relevant information and uses effective reasoning to make timely decisions. 

This is a varied and involved consultancy and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. For full details of the background to this work, the approach, methodology, timelines, and budget, please see the Terms of Reference.

Next Steps

How to Express Your Interest

Sightsavers is committed to running a fair and transparent tender process and ensuring that all bidders are treated and assessed equally during this process. To apply for this exciting consultancy, please read the Terms of Reference carefully. You will need to upload your CV (or CVs if you are representing a team) and complete the online Expression of Interest form (EOI). The form contains a section where budget details can be added. We are also keen to receive examples of previous similar work if possible, and you will be given the chance to reference this in the EOI form. 

Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we actively encourage Expressions of Interest from all sections of the community. Qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to express their interest.